Joanne Clair Peckarsky
Joanne Clair Peckarsky (Jo) was born in Milwaukee, WI on April 30, 1944 and died in Boston, MA on December 19, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She received a degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1966 and immediately moved to Boston where she touched hundreds, if not thousands of people with her legendary generosity and giving spirit. Her first and most-loved job as a physical therapist was at Boston City Hospital, where she eventually worked in their long-term care facility, Mattapan, where she realized her passion to help elderly people stay in their homes and be independent. Before she retired she worked at the Boston Visiting Nurses’ Association, and after retirement continued to visit patients with whom she had developed lasting bonds. She was a staunch supporter of community, especially in her neighborhood of Dorchester Lower Mills where she promoted local business not only by using them herself, but also by spreading the word to others. Her passion for helping other people was unequalled, manifest by giving of her time and supporting a massive list of local and global charities.
Besides family and friends, her biggest passions were scuba diving and under water photography. She has taken thousands of spectacular photos, which adorn the walls of many of our homes and have been recognized by awards and displayed in the local dive shops and the New England Aquarium. She had an uncanny eye for photographic composition, and neutral buoyancy second to none, no matter how large the camera she was toting. She was happiest in her under water world where she never became complacent about the wonders of ocean critters. Her joy under water was unparalleled and her sense of humor and adventure were best personified in her practice of scuba diving in a pink evening gown, which is documented in the photo accompanying this tribute. Late in life she also took up yoga, in which she found a new peace and spirit. She put the younger Yogi’s to shame with her perfectly aligned unassisted headstand that she first accomplished on her 70th birthday.
She is survived by her devoted friend and companion of 36 years, Elissa Menconi, and her Boston family, Sandra and Edmund Sheehan and their daughters, Katherine (Sheehan) Gentile (Robert Gentile) and Sarah Sheehan; and her Wisconsin family, brother James Peckarsky and sister Bobbi Peckarsky (Steve Horn) and their children, Alison Peckarsky Horn and Bryan Peckarsky Horn (Carrie Horn) and her grand-niece, London Horn. She will be greatly missed by everyone she touched, but she will forever be on our shoulders, guiding us and loving us as we continue our journeys. Namaste Jo.
Visiting Hours in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Sun. 2 – 5 pm. Interment Private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo’ s name may be sent to either Greater Boston Food Bank http://www.gbfb.org or the Activities Department of Standish Village, 1190 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA 02124.
Guestbook Entries
Just loved Joanne..her spirit, her kindness and Her 100% wonderfulness. She is a role model for all times. Xoxoxoxoxo Marian
My heartfelt sympathy to family and friends. The news of Joann’s passing brings such deep sadness and tears. She was a loving, kind, and generous person who always greeted you with a joyous smile. Please accept my condolences during this very sad time.
A true friend…..
When I think of Jo, I will always think of her warm, wonderful smile and her enjoyment of life. I feel lucky to have wonderful memories of the times I spent with Jo and Lisa. I miss them. Sending a big, long distance hug to Lisa. Love, Fran
I am very sorry for the loss of Joanne. So full of strength, vitality and generosity. A truly adventurous, joyful and ageless woman. My condolences.
I’m thankful for the extra help hanging around my shoulders!
You are and will be missed my friend.
Peace, love and hugs to Lissa and all who are sad because
Joanne touched our hearts. Peg in Ann Arbor
Jo, your generosity and kind, bright spirit lives on today in many ways, certainly here with us. Thank you for sharing your light with us all. With Sympathy to Elissa, and the Sheehan, the Peckarsky families.
Joanne was truly one of the most generous, kindest, patient, easy-going, loving-life-to-the-fullest people we know. We are fortunate to have known her and we will miss her dearly. We met her so long ago, on a scuba diving trip, and she became one of our good friends, even though it was only once a year that we saw each other. She touched so many with her kindness and never had a bad thing to say about anyone…..ever. Personally, I loved her spirit and her zest for live, especially diving and her love of underwater photography. I regret that we hadn’t seen her in recent years, or talked much. We’re still in shock about her recent illness and now her untimely death. Lisa, although we never met in person, I know you have lost a wonderful companion and best friend and I am thinking of you fondly and will call you soon. Please take care and I’m sending hugs to you.
Lisa, I am so shocked and sorry to learn of Joanne’s death. I can’t imagine how you can handle another significant loss. Patrick and I will pray for you and Joanne and Paul. I wish I could be with you. We love you.
Our family is greatly saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing. We had inadvertently become “sisters” through our connection to Peggy Flynn; something for which I will always be grateful. To my other “sister” Lisa, you know we are always here for you and hope to see you soon in the New Year. Much love, Mary, Eamon, Niamh and Ronan (Dyan) McGilligan
I felt that Joanne was a true friend of over 30 years who I shared many wonderful divers with.
When I am in Bonaire I will always think of her and do many dives in her honor.
She has been on my mind everyday since I found out.
I was very sad to hear about JoJo’s passing. She was one of the kindest people I have ever known. I enjoyed seeing her photography proudly displayed in her Dad’s office. She truly made in a difference during her lifetime.
I am so sorry to hear about Jo’s passing. I was a fellow PT at Boston City Hospital, a friend and roommate when we lived on Beacon Hill. What a wonderful and happy spirit, singing and playing her guitar, and enjoying our kitties Hiccup and Burp. I have been thinking of Jo a lot lately and regret I haven’t been in touch. I am so sad to hear the news. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Just seeing this now! My deep sympathy for your loss. I never had the pleasure of actually meeting JoJo, but I feel I knew her through Jimmy, and even all these years later, I remember the deep love the three siblings shared. Sending so much love from Vermont to you Jimmy and Bobbi.
Dear Lisa,
While accompanying my partner, Kathryn, to the “Chair Clinic” at BMC, I learned of Jojo’s death. It seems impossible. She was far beyond the sum of her parts – all of which were wonderful. Kind, gentle, positively bursting with life and joy, Joanne was a gift to all who knew and loved her. You have my hugs and love. I will get in touch soon. Best love, Mary Jo Campbell
Jojo and I became friends while attending Fox Point School. She was a wonderful pal, always fun, always kind and caring. I spent wonderful summer days at Peck’s Hideaway in Eagle River. I will always remember her and her family’s generosity. We emailed a bit in recent years but not often enough. I did not know she had passed away. I am so sorry. I remember Bobby and Jim and parents Janet and Irv so well. Love, Kathie Saltzstein